An 11-day trade mission to India has begun.
Mayor Dianne Watts told The Leader from London Friday that she feels the trade mission holds tremendous promise.
With her are Couns. Tom Gill, Linda Hepner, Barinder Rasode, some city staff and 24 local companies, who Friday morning were on a London stopover on the way to Mumbai.
The groups have targeted business specific to those companies attending.
"We have done significant groundwork both in India and in Surrey to create business relationships and create business opportunities," Watts said. "There is a significant amount of excitement amongst the businesses on the Trade Mission."
In this case, she said, the city is acting as a catalyst for local businesses.
"It's important for government to play the role of facilitator then get out of the way and let business do what they do best - create jobs," she said.
Rasode will be targeting some of the Bollywood groups regarding bringing back movie shoots to this city.
She will be meeting with Yash Raj Films, rated the 27th biggest film company in the world, and the largest in India.
She will also be meeting with 15 others, including Anupam Kher acting school.
The trip will take place February 10-21 and includes time in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar.